Pakistan's main fundamentalist party, the Jamaat-i-Islami, staged a demonstration here Friday to express its solidarity with the Palestinian people.

Some 200 party members gathered outside a central mosque in the capital after Friday congregation, shouting slogans in support of Palestinians and condemning Israeli "atrocities" against them, witnesses said.

Police blocked their attempt to march through the streets because of a ban on public meetings and rallies but allowed them to demonstrate in front of the mosque.

A similar rally was held in Lahore, capital of Punjab province, as part of Jamaat's call for a day of protest.

Police did not allow them to take out a procession and the gathering dispersed peacefully -- ISLAMABAD (AFP)